Madison — Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp on Tuesday defended Gov. Scott Walker's plan to turn the Natural Resources Board into an advisory panel, instead of one that makes policy, even as she acknowledged she had not been consulted on the proposal in advance.

"I feel that it's extra layers," Stepp said of the board in a briefing to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee. "I think it's duplicative."

The idea has sparked opposition from Democrats as well as some of Walker's fellow Republicans. Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) said he had "some concerns" about the plan.(52)

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp., then so is chief executive Michael Koss, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

In a suit filed last week, the bank argues that if a jury finds Park Bank liable for the loss, then Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, the firm's former auditor, should have to pay some of the award.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," Park Bank wrote in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss in this case those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(1)

Hobby Lobby in Menomonee Falls set for grand opening

A grand opening celebration for a new Hobby Lobby store in Menomonee Falls is set for Sept. 15.

The newest Wisconsin location for craft and home decor retailer Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is the Crossroads Shopping Center at N95W18273 County Line Road. Herb Matyas is the manager of the 60,944-square-foot store.

A grand opening to be attended by local officials, business leaders and others is planned for 9 a.m.

Retail Business News

Shopko Stores Operating Co. said Monday it plans to open its scaled-down Shopko Hometown department stores in 20 former Alco store locations later this month.

The Green Bay-based retailer said the opening of the new Shopko Hometown sites is part of its plan to open more Hometown stores in 2015 and 2016.

The Shopko Hometown format, developed over the past five years to augment Shopko's larger store model, is focused around small rural communities. The stores sell apparel, home furnishings, toys, consumer electronics, seasonal items, groceries and lawn-and-garden products. The stores range from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet.